Man Utd Favourites To Sign Chelsea Star But Italian Giants Also Keen

The January transfer window in closed so it’s time to look at those deals that didn’t get over the line and those being lined-up for the summer. Today, Man Utd are linked with Willian…

Manchester United are the joint-favourites to sign Chelsea attacker Willian this summer but will face competition from Italian giants AC Milan, according to a report by TeamTalk.

Willian joined Chelsea from Shaktar Donetsk in a £27million deal back in 2013 and he’s provided 43 goals and 37 assists in 223 games to help the west Londoners win two Premier League titles over the past four years.

However, the Brazilian international’s future at Stamford Bridge has been called in to question as he’s struggled to hold down a regular first team place since Antonio Conte arrived in 2016.

Willian only started 15 Premier League games last season and has started just 14 so far this campaign despite showing some excellent form when he has been given an opportunity by Conte.

The Italian coach was recently forced to justify his decision not to give Willian a regular starting role by insisting any of his players will only be selected when they prove they deserve it.

Conte is quoted as saying by TeamTalk:

“You think that I am stupid? When I put Willy on the bench? I have to try and make the best decision for the team, no? Maybe last season we won the title, or did I forget something?

“Now he is playing because he deserves to play. But not because there is some regret from the past. For what? If a player deserves to play, and shows me during the training session that he is on top of his form, and wants to work defensively, he plays.

“If not, stay on the bench, stay in the stands. But this is not only for one player, but for all my players. This is what a winning mentality is.”

The situation has led to speculation that the 29-year-old will be on the move this summer and Manchester United have been linked with Willian ever since Jose Mourinho took over at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils were reportedly keen in January and it looks like Mourinho could be ready to renew his interest as TeamTalk claim United are the bookmakers joint-favourites to sign Willian this summer.

Mourinho signed Alexis Sanchez during the winter window but the United boss is expected to further strengthen his squad this summer as he looks to try and challenge Man City for the title next year.

Willian would be an excellent addition, however, the report says United will face stiff competition as AC Milan are also leading the chase while the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and PSG are also showing a keen interest.

We’ll have to wait and see how things develop but Chelsea have shown in the past with the sales of Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata that they are prepared to do business with United so Willian could become the latest player to switch west London for Manchester.

About Football-Talk

Football-Talk is an independent website made up of a team of football-loving contributors that provide news and views on Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man Utd, Man City and Tottenham.

We cover a wide range of topics including match previews, team news, video goals, player ratings, transfer news, general news, blogs and features. We hope you enjoy what we have to offer. You can find out more about us here and if you have any questions feel free to contact us .